Breeding Services

Breeding Services

What is Penn HIP?

Penn HIP (University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program) is an organized collaborative effort consisting of the Veterinary School at the University of Pennsylvania (VHUP) and a worldwide network of nearly 1200 certified Penn HIP-trained veterinarians from 24 countries. Dr. Singh at Bear Creek Veterinary Hospital is one of those Penn Hip trained veterinarians dedicated to reduce the frequency and severity of hip dysplasia in all breeds of dogs.

The Penn HIP method is a different way to assess, measure and interpret hip joint status. It consists of three separate radiographs taken under sedation: the distraction view, the compression view and the hip-extended view.

To summarize, Penn HIP is composed of three major components

A diagnostic radiographic technique

A network of trained veterinarians

A medical database for scientific analysis

Why use Penn HIP?

The Penn HIP method can be performed on dogs as young as sixteen weeks of age compared with two years using the standard OFA technique. The data generated by Penn HIP allows breeders to confidently identify the members of their breeding stock with the tightest hips and the best breeding potential. Pet owners are able to obtain an estimate of their dog's risk for developing DJD and, if necessary, make lifestyle adjustments for their dog to enhance the quality of their pet's life.

How Does This Benefit Me as an Owner or Breeder of Dogs?

The Penn HIP method can be performed on dogs as young as sixteen weeks of age compared with two years using the standard technique. The ability to receive an early estimate of a dog's hip integrity is important whether the dog's intended purpose will be for breeding, for working or as a family pet. The data amassed and analyzed by PennHIP will allow breeders to confidently identify the members of their breeding stock with the tightest hips. The PennHIP evaluation will also permit breeders to assess the progress they are making with their breeding program as they strive to reduce the amount of hip laxity in their breeding stock. Pet owners are able to assess their pet's risk of developing DJD. This enables them to make lifestyle adjustments for their dogs and, if necessary, to enhance the quality of their pet's life.

Bear Creek Veterinary Hospital staff and doctors are experiences and trained to do Penn Hip evaluation on dogs of all ages and breeds. Please contact us for detailed information and to schedule an appointment.

Artificial Insemination

Sometimes nature needs help and we can give it.

AI is reserved for valuable purebred dogs that are unable to conceive through natural means due to various problems.

In the male, poor sex drive, weakness or pain when mounting due to arthritis or prostatic disease or aggression toward the female may result in the need for AI.

In the bitch, abnormal vulvar or vaginal conformation, such as narrowing, may preclude coitus. Bitches may also be aggressive toward the intended sire and not allow breeding, for whatever reason.

Another common reason for artificial insemination in breeding programs is the geographic separation of the dam and sire. Champion stud dogs may have semen frozen and shipped throughout the country, especially if transportation of the female to the male's territory is not possible.

BCVH staff and veterinarian are experienced to perform AI on all breeds. Please contact us for detailed information and to schedule an appointment for AI needs.